Discovering the Wildlife of Wales
Discovery
Re-introduced into Mid Wales by the Vincent Wildlife trust over a period of 3 years, the Pine Martens have been successfully breeding and spreading in certain ares of Mid Wales and numbers of Martins are estimated to be in the region of 75 -100. Join me as I journey around searching for this elusive creature, that may (or may not) help the native Red Squirrel population numbers to increase to a level that will enable future generations to see this important species. I report all sightings directly to the VWT.
The Search for the Welsh Pine Marten
The Red Squirrel population of Mid Wales is exceedingly small. Having being pushed out of their natural habitat by the American Grey Squirrel, they now live in very remote forested areas, that are less suitable for their American cousins. Working with the Red Squirrels United project, remote camera traps are installed in Forestry areas and monitored on a weekly basis.
The Red Squirrels of Wales
Camera Traps
Using camera traps (or trail cams) is a good way to discover what wildlife is present. Whether in your back garden or out in the wilderness, these great cameras provide an excellent way to see what creatures live in your area.
Saving the Welsh Red Squirrel
Working as a volunteer for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership, gave me the opportunity to search out areas of the countryside that would otherwise be unaccessible.
Pine Martens
Between 2015 and 2017, the Vincent Wildlife Trust re-located Pine Martins from Scotland to Mid Wales. 51 Martins have now been successfully released into Mid & North Wales and have been successfully breeding.